Technical Manual Translation Services
At Espresso Translations, our team of expert technical translators with native-level language skills can translate all kinds of technical manuals with accuracy and reliability. Regardless of your branch of technical business, you can count on Espresso Translations for precise, professional technical translation services for your catalogs and product manuals. Our user manual translation services are all performed fast and at a competitive price.
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Our technical documentation translation services
Over many years, companies in the software, electronics, and mechanical fields have come to trust Espresso Translations for technical manual translation services offered in more than 150 language combinations. Our translation work is done by talented linguists with experience translating technical materials and a good background in translating technical documents. Their familiarity with the industry is the key to a good technical translation and a better user experience.
Espresso Translations helps businesses producing household appliances and machinery to penetrate international markets. Our translations of user manuals, technical data sheets, catalogs, instruction sheets, and technical documentation for the assembly and maintenance of technical products allow customers anywhere to understand and use those products.
We offer technical translations in many language combinations, guaranteeing great quality through our team of experts comfortable with the unique industry-specific technical terms used in the technology industry.
Our clients appreciate that (unlike some) we take care to update our special technical glossaries and translation memories. Like you, we strive to keep current with developments in technology.
To translate your technical manuals, Espresso Translations collaborates with talented linguists who have the knowledge and skills to create quality technical translations using any level of complex technical language.
Here is a bit of what we routinely translate:
- User manuals and technical instruction manuals
- Product brochures and product guides
- Online maintenance support documents
- Assembly guides and industrial operating manuals
- Regulatory documentation and safety guides
- Product catalogs and electronic specifications
The table below lists the translation services you need for manuals and technical documents that Espresso Translations offers:
| FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Translation services for technical manuals |
| Supported Languages | Italian, English, Spanish, 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 (generally between 3 and 7 days) |
| Accepted Formats | User manuals, technical guides, electronic specifications, data sheets, assembly guides, PDF and Word documents |
| Quality Assurance | Included for all translations, including review by experts in the technical sector |
| Additional Services | Certified translation, localization for specific markets, and desktop publishing |
What is a technical manual?
A “technical manual” is an umbrella term that may refer to printed matter, instructional videos, or a variety of types of electronic files. Regardless of the medium, a technical manual contains information and instructions for using a machine, a software package, a handheld device, or any other item the technical industry produces.
Because technical manuals are written by those familiar with the product involved who also have a grasp of technical writing, a technical translator should have a similar capability to render this material in the target language so that it is understood clearly and accurately by those who speak that language.
What is technical document translation?
Properly translating technical manuals and other technical documentation means re-creating them in another language while using terminology with careful precision and the consistent use of terms.
As with other translations, a technical translator must always reproduce the original format as closely as possible, and must make sure to provide all addresses, phone numbers, abbreviations, and acronyms accurately.
A skilled technical translation service helps share important information across language barriers, whether the topic is engineering, medicine, or information technology. Technical translation is its own special skill set that a general translator will likely not possess.
A professional translation agency like Espresso Translations that specializes in technical document translation services takes the extra step of assigning technical manual translation to a project manager supervising the entire process from translation to typesetting and delivery. This is the standard service that Espresso Translations provides for all our clients. Get an online price quote for an expert technical translation today.
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Can anyone translate user manuals?
For best results with the international distribution of your technical documentation, we warn against the tempting pitfall of trying to translate your documents using online automatic translation tools. Such tools are not accurate enough for technical translations. Text translation sites and apps operate by finding the most statistically likely term matches between two languages, which obviously falls far short of the precision needed in technical translations. Instead, we recommend you choose a reputable technical translation company like Espresso Translations.
Bear in mind that one single mistake in a technical manual can result in trouble for your customers and your brand.
Our view is that, when it comes to technical documentation, a translation must be better than good: it must be supremely good. This is necessary because technical manuals in any language must be strictly accurate to avoid uncertainties and misunderstandings.
The approach Espresso Translations takes to achieve professional technical manual translations is as follows:
– We work only with specialty translators in the relevant field. Our collaboration with technical experts means confidence in our quality and ultimately a savings in money and time for you.
– We utilize technical glossaries and translation memories to attain consistency in terminology. Our expert technical translators have experience in using the best translation tools and use them appropriately. Computer-assisted translation might play a part, but it is a part firmly supported by the human translator’s extensive experience in technical translations.
– We put each translation through rigorous quality control before it leaves our hands. Proofreaders and editors check all our translations carefully.
What phases are involved in translating technical manuals and instruction booklets?
As practiced by the professional technical translators at Espresso Translations, rendering any kind of technical document in another language involves quite a number of steps. Read on to learn about the process of accurate technical translation, which consists of the following primary phases:
– Assigning the project to a project manager
– Identifying the most suitable native translator
– Reading the text closely in its original language
– Selecting or creating terminology databases
– Consulting the scientific literature related to the subject
– Conferring with experts in the field
– Translating by a trusted translator
– Review by a second professional translator
– Editing done by a technical specialist
– Proofreading with care
– Checking the layout to speed up distribution
– Final quality control of every translation by the project manager
– On-time delivery
Get in touch with Espresso Translations to find out how our technical translation agency customizes our translation services to each client’s requests and needs.
What are the types of technical manuals?
Here are the most common types of technical manual translations we handle:
Translation of data sheets and technical specifications
Data sheets and technical specifications encapsulate all the information and diagrams describing a product. They contain a product description, relevant technical data, and information on its usage, production process, and more.
Translation of user, installation, and maintenance manuals
Various types of technical product manuals give detailed instructions on operating a device. Manufacturers may also supply safety data sheets and guidelines for installation and ongoing maintenance. The maintenance and installation manuals often contain technical drawings and graphic elements with captions, which of course also must be translated.
Translation of training manuals
A training manual documents guidelines and processes that detail how to perform various organizational activities. Such manuals are useful references for training and keeping procedures consistent from person to person.
Preparation of commissioning manuals
Commissioning means establishing a process to make certain that all systems and components of a technical product are designed, installed, tested, used, and maintained according to its manufacturer’s operational requirements.
Translation of safety manuals
All workplaces must focus on worker safety, but nowhere are safety standards more crucial than in the technical field. Due to the complexity of operations in a technical company, there are many types of safety manuals.
Translation of technical machinery brochures
Technical brochures summarize and promote products to possible clients and suppliers. Given the range of readers, brochures must be translated to be easily understood despite the necessary use of technical language.
Translation of product documentation
Product documentation for a technical device or substance gives readers the facts about its design, manufacture, and operation. This includes information showing that the product meets the standards required by law.
Translation of technical brochures for machinery
A device’s technical file groups together all the documentation on its design, production, and testing. Depending on the product, the technical file may contain structural calculations, a description of the characteristics of the materials used in it, technical drawings, risk analyses, measurements, and other relevant information.
Translation of patents
Patents give inventors exclusive rights under the law to manufacture, market, or use an innovative product. Patents must be registered with a central authority. Then, all the relevant documents must then be translated so the product can be sold in a different jurisdiction.
Preparation of corporate policy manuals
Employee manuals give a company’s employees guidelines on how to operate or behave in different environments. Also called corporate policy manuals, they are intended to prevent misunderstandings, workplace accidents and legal disputes, while attempting to form a corporate culture that benefits all parties.
Technical translation involves working with numerous types of technical documentation and instruction manuals. This must take place through an alert comprehension of the original text in order to reproduce it faithfully.
What are the tools and technologies used for technical manual translations?
To translate technical manuals, not only must a professional translator be fluent in at least two languages (one of them being their native language) and have technical knowledge and expertise, they must be proficient at using the current technology in the translation field.
Here are the main technologies a translator might use:
Use of Translation Memories and Glossaries
To ensure quality and terminological consistency in the translation of all technical documentation, it is essential to have proficiency in using advanced tools such as:
- Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools: One of the tools a translator can use is a CAT tool, which is a software program that makes the translation workflow more efficient. Please note that a CAT tool is not used to perform machine translation (see below for more on this) but is used as an aid in accuracy while performing human translation.
- Terminological glossaries: A glossary of terms is a multilingual database that collects important terminology used in a particular field of work, such as a technical manual.
- Machine Translation with human post-editing: MTPE is a process in which material to be translated is processed by a machine translation (MT) engine to furnish a draft document that is then reviewed by a human translator. MTPE is one of the technical translation solutions that can reduce translation costs.
Like any type of tool, translation tools are most helpful when used wisely and appropriately. And, like other tools, using them improperly can lead to undesirable results. Of course, for a specialized technical translator who understands these technologies, translation tools can indeed help in achieving high-quality technical translations.
What do our clients say?
Espresso Translations is an accredited translation services company dedicated not only to excellence in translation but also excellence in customer service. Just as our translation experts aim for unequalled translations, our project managers pride themselves on providing the best prompt support and guidance to our clients. Over the years, Espresso Translations has translated an amazing variety of manuals. We’ve learned a lot and can offer guidance on the best ways to communicate your message effectively and enhance the experience of your customers.
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?
A translation project involving technical manuals can pose special challenges. These materials break down the use of complex machinery into the clearest possible step-by-step instructions. A translated manual must be equally easy to comprehend without misunderstandings. Along with clarity, a good translation also uses specialty terms with utter accuracy and conforms to local and international regulations so as to avoid risks to the machinery and the products being processed, not to mention dangers to the people using them.
A professional translating a technical manual keeps these issues in mind while meeting deadlines and keeping costs to a minimum. A solid background in translation and expertise in technical writing are indispensable for achieving the best results. Superior translations thus require specialized linguists using the right tools who also have the experience to focus on accuracy while avoiding common errors. The following are some of these possible mistakes:
Translating the document word for word
A primary error to steer clear of is translating literally or word for word, a practice that is probably the origin of the phrase “lost in translation.” Overly literal translations can actually obscure the intent of the original language, and in a technical text this can have consequences for the machinery and everything surrounding it.
Ignoring local culture
A top translator has a close understanding of not only the target language but also has an intimate familiarity with the culture of the people who speak that language. Cultural appropriateness in communication helps to avoid possible misunderstandings in a translated text.
Translating without technical expertise
Acceptable results in technical translation depend on more than competence in language and industry specific terminology. The translator should also be well acquainted with the industry in question, its procedures, and should be comfortable with its typical content, for example, handbooks, diagrams, blueprints, infographics and the like.
Failing to define the target audience
Before beginning a technical translation, the linguist must have a precise idea of who will be using that translation. The audience for a technical translation could range from a specialist in a particular field who understands highly technical terminology, to the average person on the street who requires a different approach. The audience for a user guide must be considered in all aspects of the translation.
Disregarding units of measurement
One mistake seen far too often in translated technical material is a failure to use the target country’s customary units of measurement (such as kilometers versus miles, or grams versus ounces). This will certainly affect the reader’s comfort and comprehension of that material.
Omitting images
A picture is indeed worth a thousand words, especially in a technical manual. All CAD drawings and other images in the original version must be reproduced, including translations of any text elements; otherwise, the translation will not be complete.
Ignoring local laws
Local, national, and international regulations and laws in an industry can vary widely, meaning that a technical translator must be familiar with those regulations in addition to everything else to make a translation suitable for the location where it will be used.
Skipping quality control
Robust quality control procedures are an essential part of the translation process. The time another expert in the field (or an editor, or a proofreader) takes to double-check a translation is well worth paying for to attain high-quality translated documents. If you are not already convinced of this, just imagine the monetary and legal consequences of a shoddy translation!
How much does a technical translation service cost?
As a guideline, if you need to translate a technical manual from Italian to English, this will probably cost roughly €30 per page plus tax or VAT. Our clients are happy to realize that Espresso Translations’ rates are among the most competitive around, and our speed and professionalism are included in the deal. Whether your project is a couple of pages long or a book-length tome, no job is too large or too small.
The amount charged for a technical translation depends. on many particulars in the original document, such as the length of the text, its complexity, the need for computerized tools, any unusual file types or file formats, and the specific languages involved.
Just contact us to receive a quote on your translation needs. We will respond to your request within 24 hours so that you can get your project started quickly.
How long does it take to translate a technical manual?
Translating an average technical manual from Italian to English, for example, will take from 5 to 10 days.
The length of time needed to complete a first-rate technical translation hinges on the document’s length, the two languages involved, and the amount of review necessary.
Espresso Translations can accommodate urgent requests by bringing in multiple resources to achieve fast results (without sacrificing precision). Our team of technical translators can get a manual translated with a fast turnaround that would be a challenge for an individual translator. Espresso Translations gladly provides this and many more language translation services. Send us the material to be translated and your translation requirements, and you will receive a free quote that includes an exact turnaround time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there differences between technical translation and localization?
Technical translation is a process that may include localization, but these terms refer to two different concepts. Document translation services, strictly speaking, are operations in which some text in one language is reproduced in another language. Localization, however, goes a step further by changing the translation as needed to make it more suitable for its intended audience and culture.
What are the regulations regarding the translation of technical manuals?
Since 2009, a law called the “Machinery Directive” has governed the distribution of specific equipment marketed in Europe. Among other things, this law requires a professional translation of an accompanying manual to be furnished, in the interest of workplace and public safety, with certain machinery and machinery parts.
Naturally, the translation of such manuals must convey how to follow the recommended procedures when using machinery. In addition, the translation must provide warnings to those using the manual to help them avoid improper usage that might be dangerous.
This law asks more of a technical translator, and it also involves the adaptation of all these instructions in simple language suitable for the general public or using technical terms for the operator using the machinery on the job.
As you may know if you wish to sell products in Europe, user manual translation is also needed in order to obtain a CE marking. The CE mark is an assurance that products sold in the European Economic Area (EEA) conform with European health, safety, and environmental protection standards.