Technical Manual Translation Services
Espresso Translations offers fast and accurate technical manual translation for a wide variety of industries and sectors. Our team of expert technical translators are both professional linguists and industry specific authorities, providing your business with the highest quality translations in the UK and beyond.
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Ou technical documentation translation services
Our global team of accredited translators provides a range of technical content translations in more than 150 different languages and covers multiple industries. Whatever your technical translation covers, we have an industry-specific technical translator who can deliver.
We work with clients from mechanics, electronics, software and engineering and have translated thousands of technical documents, manuals, guides, catalogues and data sheets. With such a large team of native speaking translators, we can work with any industry and with any combination of languages.
Each of our translators is a subject matter expert who only translates into their native tongue. This is to ensure a natural flow and that none of the nuance of the language is lost. In addition, every Espresso Translation accredited linguist has had more than five years of experience in the translation industry.
We provide the highest quality professional technical translation services for all our clients thanks to the skill, experience and expertise of our worldwide team. We are also ISO 17100:2015 Certified for translation quality assurance.
Here is a table describing the translation services for technical manuals:
| FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Translation services for technical manuals |
| Supported Languages | English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Chinese, Japanese |
| Specialization | Technical and engineering terminology |
| Translation Method | Professional human translation with expertise in the technical field |
| Delivery Time | Variable based on complexity and language (typically 3 to 7 days) |
| Accepted Formats | User manuals, technical guides, data sheets, PDF and Word documents |
| Quality Assurance | Included in the service, with review by experts in the technical sector |
| Additional Services | Certified translation, localization for specific markets, desktop publishing |
What is a technical manual?
A technical manual is a document that provides detailed information and instructions relating to the operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting for a system or product. The intended audience for this type of manual is usually engineers, developers or technicians.
Included in a technical manual are a description of a product or system’s function, installation, maintenance, specifications and guidance on identifying and solving potential issues. Most manuals are set out in a logical order with a clear structure for ease of use and typically include diagrams and illustrations.
What is technical document translation?
Technical document translation involves converting the text from its original language, also known as the source language, into one or more different languages, called the target language. The meaning of the content must remain the same and technical terms must be retained to ensure that the original intent and purpose of the content remains the same.
Accuracy and precision are required in every area of translation but this is of particular importance when dealing with a technical manual. The safe and proper use and operation of a product or system relies on the information contained in the technical manual. Therefore, ensuring that the content remains the same regardless of the language it’s translated into is a serious responsibility. This is why Espresso Translations ensures technical translation projects are carried out by accredited linguists with deep knowledge of the unique industry-specific technical terms used.
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Can anyone translate user manuals?
No, not everyone can translate user manuals. Only a qualified translator with the relevant technical knowledge and experience can successfully translate user manuals and technical documentation. This is not an area for a general translator even those with the necessary language proficiency. A technical writer with the necessary language skills and relevant industry background is needed for translating technical manuals.
User manual translation projects are typically industry specific so the translator must have experience in the field as well as being qualified in the source and target languages. At Espresso Translations, we have more 2,000 translators working in over 150 languages from a wide range of professions, sectors and industries.
What phases are involved in translating technical manuals and instruction booklets?
A typical translation workflow proceeds as follows:
- The client contacts us to request a quote for our technical document translation service.
- One of our account managers responds within an hour and begins to search our team for the most appropriate translator for the task.
- When the client accepts the quote, the project manager sends the file to the assigned translator.
- The technical translator completes the translation and having proofread the translated document, sends it to the project manager.
- The project manager sends the translation to another linguist, with the same qualifications as the first, and they also proofread the translation.
- Finally, the project manager carries out their own quality control checks and only then sends the translated document to the client for their approval.
At Espresso Translations each technical translation requires several phases before it is complete. We ensure that every project is completed to the highest standards and only sent to the client once it has gone through a rigorous quality control procedure.
We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and thoroughness. This is why we only used qualified technical translators for this kind of work and a dedicated person for project management.
What are the types of technical manuals?
There are numerous types of technical manuals covering many industries, businesses and applications. Below are some examples of the technical writing that our services works with.
Data sheets and technical specifications
Data sheets are documents that provide detailed information about a product including usage and performance data as well as technical specifications. A product or system’s specification sheet only provides technical data. It’s very important for a data sheet or technical specification to be accurately translated.
User, installation, and maintenance manuals
Manuals of various types frequently require translation. These may be intended for end users or for engineers or technicians. These manuals contain detailed information and instructions about a product.
Training manuals
Training manuals are learning aids designed to help employees learn a skill, task or job that they are unfamiliar with. Many industries use training manuals and they often require translation.
Commissioning manuals
A commissioning manual is an important document detailing the process of testing a system or product following installation to ensure proper operation or function. It is a systematic and rigorous process and translations must be accurate.
Safety manuals
The translation of safety manuals is essential for the safe operation of a machine, system or procedure. It also contains policies related to the health and safety of employees and others within an organisation such as manufacturing or construction.
Product documentation
Product documentation is similar to a user manual but may not always be as detailed as a manual or cover every aspect of the use or operation of a product or system. It can relate to any material that discusses a product’s functions, features or use.
Technical brochures
Technical brochures are publications which promote technical products and services such as IT equipment, machinery or software development. They are translated into different languages to market the products in other countries.
Patents
Patents reserve the rights of exclusivity for an idea, system or product. They provide legal protection for the inventor and often require translation into other languages.
Corporate policy manuals
As the name implies, a corporate policy manual outlines a business’s policies, guidelines and procedures related to its operations and activities. They may be translated for overseas branches and employees.
What are the tools and technologies used for technical manual translations?
For large translation projects of a technical nature, most translation companies have a translation management system as a support system for the translator. This ensures terminological consistency across all projects, high quality translations and fast turnaround times. Let’s take a look at what it involves.
Use of Translation Memories and Glossaries
To achieve consistency and quality across all translations particularly in a complex field such as technical manuals, the use of advanced tools is frequently employed. This includes:
- Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools. These are programs which help to streamline the translation process and act as a support for professional translators. CAT incorporates translation memory and language search engines. Examples of CAT tools are MemoQ and SDL Trados.
- Terminology glossaries. Technical translations involve a lot of terminology that is not commonly used and may be specific to one industry. For this reason, the use of a terminology glossary to ensure uniformity and consistency is used. It is, in essence, a multilingual database.
- Machine Translation Post Editing (MTPE) combines the speed of machine translation with the accuracy of a human editor. The key to a good technical translation is the consistent use of the best machine learning combined with human expertise.
At Espresso Translations, human translators are at the heart of our business. This doesn’t mean that we don’t take advantage of the incredible computer-assisted translation software available to us when translating technical documents.
As part of our content management system, we use every tool including artificial intelligence and other automation to ensure your technical translation is of the highest quality, accuracy and completed to your deadline.
What do our clients say?
Our accredited translation agency is proud of its excellent customer service, which includes prompt support and comprehensive guidance from its project managers. Take a look at our clients’ reviews:
The translation of the technical manual entrusted to Espresso Translations was excellent. The specific terminology of the mechanical sector was adhered to with great precision, making it easy to understand even for those using complex equipment like CNC machinery. Furthermore, the terminological consistency between the various chapters demonstrated meticulous and well-documented work. The accuracy of the translated technical instructions significantly reduced operational errors during production.
– Laura M. (Product Development Manager)
I recently collaborated with Espresso Translations for the translation of a complex software technical manual. I appreciated their ability to correctly adapt the IT glossary, maintaining the most relevant terms in the original language and translating only what was necessary for clarity. Attention to details such as syntax and formatting ensured a clear guide for our developers in various countries. This improved the efficiency of international teams during the software implementation.
– John R. (Technical Support Director)
What challenges are encountered in the translation of manuals and instruction booklets?
Technical communication is often challenging and translating complex technical terminology presents its own issues. Below are some mistakes that can be made when translating user guides, safety data sheets or instructions for medical devices.
Translating the document word for word
Literal translation, translating each word individually, does not produce an accurate or logical translation. By translating in this way, the meaning and context of the document is often lost.
Ignoring local culture
Localisation is vital when translating to another language. It’s imperative to take account of cultural differences and language nuance that can significantly affect how the translated information is understood.
Translating without technical expertise
Understanding the language of a particular industry is essential for successful translation. Each business or technical field has its own terms and jargon which must be accurately translated for the meaning and context of the translated document to be retained. Linguistics is not the only skill required in technical translation, knowledge of the specific industy is key.
Failing to define the target audience
Every translation is aimed at a particular audience and making sure the translation is targeted in this way is very important. For example, if we have a product manual to translate for consumers, the language will not be the same as if it were aimed at an engineer.
Disregarding units of measurement
Localising units of measurement for different countries is a common mistake when translating technical documents, e.g. metric and imperial systems.
Omitting images
Forgetting to include necessary images, technical drawings or anything included in the original document by an illustrator can often make a user guide translation difficult to properly use. All illustrations, images and drawings should be included in the translated document.
Ignoring local laws
Understanding local laws, rules and regulations is vital for a quality technical translation. While the language services and technical know-how are essential parts of the process, adhering to local regulations is fundamentally important.
Skipping quality control
At Espresso Translations, our best practices include a rigorous, multi-stage quality control process. This involves each translation being proofread twice and then undergoing a final check by your account manager. In this way, we ensure that you receive a highly accurate technical translation. Skipping this process often leads to mistakes being missed and an unhappy client.
Ensuring that all our technical translations are carried out to the highest standards is at the core of what Espresso Translations is all about. We understand that mistranslations, omissions and errors can cause opertional risks, misunderstanding and violation of national and international regulations. For this reason, we use everything at our disposal to provide precise and accurate translations, on time and at an agreed price.
How much does a technical translation service cost?
As a leading technical translation company, Espresso Translations offers highly competive rates for all our translation and language services.
Below is a breakdown of our translation certification costs:
- Certified translation costs from £30 plus VAT. It is accompanied by a statement of truth attesting to the accuracy and faithfulness of the translation in relation to the original.
- Sworn translation costs from £50 plus VAT. A sworn translation is attached to an affidavit affirming its status as sworn. This type of translation is typically required in civil law countries but not in common law countries such as the UK.
- Notarised translation costs £90 plus VAT. The document is countersigned by a notary public to confirm the identity of the translator. The notary’s signature does not lend any weight to the accuracy or faithfulness of the translation to the original.
- Apostilled translation costs £90 plus VAT. An apostilled translation is recognised by all signatory countries of the Hague Convention without any further translation being needed.
Certain factors will dictate the final cost of translating a technical document. These include:
- Length of the document
- Language combination i.e. source and target language
- Complexity of content
- Turnaround time required
- Type of certification needed
- Particular formatting requested
To understand exactly how much your technical translation will cost, request a free quote. We will respond to you within an hour. The price you are quoted is the price you will pay as Espresso Translations does not have any hidden costs or extras.
How long does it take to translate a technical manual?
The length of time it takes to translate a technical manual will depend on a number of factors including:
- Length of the text
- Language pair
- Specific industy knowledge requirement
- Certification required e.g. sworn and notarised certifications require the input of a third party which can add to the turnaround time
- Formatting needed
We will let you know from the beginning how long your technical translation will take and always work to meet your deadlines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there differences between technical translation and localization?
Yes, there are differences between translating a technical document and localising it for a different culture. Translating involves changing the language from the original to the target language. Localisation means adapting the content for a new audience or region, taking into account the culture, traditions and linguistic nuances.
What are the regulations regarding the translation of technical manuals?
Certain industries have regulations which relate to the translation of techncial documentation and manuals. For example, medical devices for the EU market must adhere to the EU MDR regulation which requires translations in all 24 official languages of the European Union. Regulatory compliance will vary according to specific industries and regions.