Replicator

A replicator is a device that transforms raw materials into finished products by reorganizing matter to fit a specified pattern. Replicators began to be common appliances among the major Star Trek civilizations in the 24th century.

Replicators use technology similar to transporters, but they do not have the same resolution. Consequently, replicated objects have "single bit errors" that make them distinguishable from the object used to make the pattern. Furthermore, the lack of resolution makes it impossible to replicate living creatures, and many non-living materials are also too complex to replicate.