Imagine being able to get a file with every part of your car already scanned in it. Then you could replicate as needed. Having the scanner would be nice, however as more parts are scanned, eventually there would be a huge online cataloged of already scanned parts.

Taking it a step further, imagine not only having every part of your car scanned in, but having a working computer model of your car. This model you could virtually take apart. This way, if you needed to say, take your engine apart, you could practice on the computer first. You would be able to see where every part goes and how it goes. Other data, like a parts torque, could be there as well.

Not only would this be a dream come true for us gear heads, but for the home shade tree mechanic.

As for manned space missions, a device that could duplicate parts would be invaluable, as you pointed out. You wouldn’t need the scanner, for every part would already be scanned.

Settling the Moon, Mars, and the asteroids, would be made easier with such a replicator that could use local material. The raw material would have to be processed into a useable substance. I am thinking, in its raw form, it could be a powder that the replicator would use.