For engineering, manufacturing and technology organisations

Technical Translation Services for Engineering and Manufacturing

Q: Can you translate text inside diagrams and images?

Yes, subject to file review. Editable diagrams are generally easier to process. Text embedded inside scanned images may require extraction, recreation or desktop publishing.

Q: Can you follow our approved terminology?

Yes. Clients can provide glossaries, product catalogues, style guides, previous translations, translation memories or terminology lists to support consistency with existing documentation.

Q: Can you handle confidential technical information?

Technical documents are handled confidentially. Clients should state any NDA, restricted-access, secure-transfer or retention requirements before sending sensitive files.

Translate manuals, specifications, safety documentation, technical reports and product information with professional linguists who understand the terminology, document structure and people who will use the content.

Request a technical translation quote WhatsApp the project team

Professional human translation
Subject-matched technical linguists
Terminology and glossary control
Formatting, DTP and certification available

UK-based project management 30+ languages ISO 17100:2015 quality procedures

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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you Floyd and your team!!! This is the second time I have used Locate Translate to translate my documents and without fault, they have delivered the translations in record time. Both times were urgent and without complaint my request was taken care of with a great sense of urgency. Not only do they translate, they also, if requested and at an extra fee, provide by regular or registered post, an original certified and stamped document. I woudl highly recommend the use of their services. Thank you again!
  
 
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Specialist language for documents that must work

Technical translation is not ordinary word-for-word translation

A technical document must communicate the same process, requirement, warning or product information in every language. That means understanding the subject, controlling terminology and checking the details that affect how engineers, technicians, operators and customers use the document.

Engineering and operational documentation

Translate instructions, specifications and safety information precisely

We support engineering, operations, quality and procurement teams with technical content where names, measurements, component references, warnings and numbered procedures must remain clear and consistent.

Operating, installation and maintenance manuals
Specifications, reports and safety documents
Procedures, tenders and technical training

Explore document translation services

Product and customer documentation

Make complex products understandable in each target market

Technical product content must be accurate without becoming difficult to read. We translate user guides, datasheets, catalogues and support information for specialist and non-specialist audiences while preserving approved product terminology.

User guides and quick-start instructions
Datasheets, catalogues and product brochures
Hardware, software and system documentation

Explore technology translation services

MeaningThe translation must preserve the technical purpose, not merely the sentence structure.

TerminologyApproved component names, abbreviations and repeated phrases remain consistent.

UsabilityInstructions, labels, warnings, tables and references must work together.

DeliveryEditable files, multilingual layouts, certification and staged delivery can be arranged.

Operational risk

Ambiguous instructions can cause delays, incorrect assembly, unsuitable maintenance or avoidable support queries.

Safety risk

Warnings, limitations and emergency procedures require especially careful treatment of meaning and terminology.

Commercial risk

Inconsistent product information can weaken tenders, create rework and reduce confidence in the documentation.

Technical document translation services for engineering and manufacturing — Technical document translation for manuals, specifications, reports and product information. Send the editable source files where available for the most efficient workflow.

From single datasheets to complete documentation sets

Technical documents we translate

Send the complete file set wherever possible. We will review the subject, word count, repeated content, diagrams, source quality and required output before recommending the workflow.

Technical manuals User and operator guides Installation instructions Service and maintenance manuals Engineering specifications Safety reports and procedures Technical datasheets Test and inspection reports Tender and bid documents System requirement documents Hardware and software guides Standard operating procedures Technical training materials Patent-related documents Product catalogues and brochures Technical drawings and callouts

Do you have a different document type? Send a sample or the complete files. We can confirm whether the content, file format and target languages can be handled within one coordinated project.

Subject knowledge changes the translation

Technical translation for engineering-led industries

The same word can carry different meanings across mechanical engineering, electronics, construction and software. Projects are assigned according to both the language pair and the technical subject.

Manufacturing and machinery

Operating manuals, assembly instructions, machine interfaces, maintenance procedures and production documentation.

Discuss a manufacturing project

Technology and electronics

Hardware documentation, system requirements, product specifications, support content and technical guides.

Technology translation

Construction and infrastructure

Specifications, method statements, installation documents, technical reports, tenders and safety information.

Discuss a construction project

Energy and renewables

Equipment, installation, operation, maintenance, environmental and technical training documentation.

Discuss an energy project

Mechanical engineering Electrical engineering Automation and robotics Automotive documentation Telecommunications Industrial products

A controlled workflow from source file to delivery

How technical translation projects are managed

The workflow is adapted to the document, technical risk, language combination, deadline and required output rather than forcing every project through the same process.

File review

We assess the source files, subject, languages, word count, diagrams, formatting and deadline.

Translator selection

The project is matched with a professional linguist familiar with the relevant technical field.

Terminology setup

Existing glossaries, manuals, style guides and approved product terms are reviewed before translation.

Human translation

The linguist translates the content in context, including labels, tables, warnings and cross-references.

Quality checks

Completeness, terminology, numbers, units, names, grammar and formatting are checked against the source.

Final delivery

The files are supplied in the agreed format, with certification or layout support where included.

Accuracy must be visible in the workflow

Quality checks for technical content

Technical accuracy depends on more than fluent writing. Our service follows ISO 17100:2015 quality procedures, with checks adapted to the document’s purpose, risk and agreed scope. The translation must be complete, internally consistent and usable alongside its figures, tables, warnings and references.

Meaning and completeness
Sections, labels, notes and references are checked so that content is not omitted or changed unintentionally.
Terminology consistency
Repeated component names, process terms and approved company language are applied consistently.
Numbers, units and references
Measurements, model numbers, codes, dates, table references and numbering receive dedicated attention.
Layout and character display
Page flow, fonts, tables and non-Latin scripts are reviewed where formatting is included in the scope.

Consistency across documents, products and releases

Terminology management for recurring technical translation

A component, feature or process should not acquire a different name each time a manual is updated. Approved terminology and reference material help keep documentation consistent across teams, products and languages.

Existing translationsPrevious manuals and approved files help preserve established language and avoid unnecessary changes.

Client glossariesPreferred terms, prohibited alternatives, abbreviations and product names can be supplied at project start.

Translation memoriesPreviously approved segments can support consistency and efficiency in repeat or updated content.

Version controlNew releases can be compared with earlier material so changed content receives the right attention.

Shared project decisionsQueries and approved answers can be documented for linguists working across a large multilingual project.

Recurring project teamsWhere availability permits, retaining familiar linguists reduces repeated onboarding and improves continuity.

Typical ongoing programme

One product family, several manuals and multiple markets

Instead of treating every file as an isolated order, the documents can share terminology, reference translations and agreed style decisions.

A practical recurring workflow

The exact setup depends on the source files and release cycle, but an ongoing programme may include:

01
Initial terminology reviewProduct names, component terms and existing translated content are gathered before the first release.
02
Priority and release planningManuals, datasheets and market languages are scheduled according to launch or production requirements.
03
Centralised queriesTechnical questions are consolidated so decisions can be reused across documents and languages.
04
Updated assetsApproved terminology and reference material are carried forward to later revisions.

Technical information is not confined to paragraphs

Diagrams, tables and multilingual desktop publishing

Technical manuals often contain flowcharts, labels, screenshots, callouts, tables and image-based instructions. We review these elements before quotation because the available workflow depends on whether the text is editable, embedded in an image or contained in a scan.

Translated text can also expand, contract or use a different reading direction. Where layout support is included, the document can be adjusted so headings, captions, tables and instructions remain readable in the target language.

Diagram and image text
Tables and text boxes
Non-Latin scripts
Right-to-left layouts
Page-flow adjustment
Final visual checks

WordPDFPowerPointExcelScanned filesImage-based content

Multilingual desktop publishing Send files for review

Technical translation in more than 30 languages

Match the target language with the right technical specialist

Availability depends on the language combination and subject expertise required. Tell us the source language, target language, intended country and technical field when requesting a quote.

French technical translation

Manuals, specifications, product information and technical reports for French-speaking markets.

French translation services

German technical translation

Engineering, manufacturing, machinery and product documentation translated into or from German.

German translation services

Italian technical translation

Technical manuals, procedures, specifications and customer documentation for Italian audiences.

Italian translation services

Spanish technical translation

Technical and engineering content for Spain, Latin America and other Spanish-speaking markets.

Spanish translation services

Simplified Chinese Arabic Dutch Japanese Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Turkish View all languages

Optional certification

Certified technical translations for official submission

Some technical documents are submitted to courts, regulators, patent authorities, universities, government bodies or other official organisations. Where certification is requested, we review the document, destination country and receiving authority’s instructions before confirming the correct service.

Certified translation services

Important before ordering

Certification requirements are not identical everywhere

A standard certified translation may be sufficient in one case, while another authority may request notarisation, an apostille or a sworn translation. Share the written submission requirements with the files so the quotation reflects the actual need.

Send the requirements for review

Transparent scope before work begins

Technical translation pricing and turnaround

There is no reliable technical translation price without seeing the documents. Complexity, format and quality requirements can affect the work as much as the word count.

Volume and repetition
Word count, repeated text, existing translations and recurring content influence the scope.
Languages and subject
The language combination and availability of a suitable technical specialist affect the quotation.
Files and formatting
Scans, diagrams, embedded text and multilingual layout can require additional preparation or DTP.
Deadline and review level
Urgency, independent proofreading, certification and staged delivery are confirmed before work starts.

Related language services

Technical projects may also require specialist review, document layout or a related translation workflow.

Technical translation FAQs

Questions before sending your documents

The final scope depends on the files, technical subject, languages and intended use, but these answers cover the most common starting points.

What is technical translation?

Technical translation is the translation of specialised content relating to engineering, manufacturing, machinery, technology, construction, energy or another technical field. It requires accurate language and an understanding of the document’s terminology, purpose and users.

How is technical translation different from general translation?

Technical documents often contain specialist terms, measurements, warnings, diagrams, tables and procedures. The translator must understand how those elements relate to the product or process rather than translating each sentence in isolation.

Can you translate a complete technical manual?

Yes. Send the full manual and, where available, the editable source files. We will review the word count, subject, languages, diagrams, formatting and required delivery date before confirming the workflow.

Can you translate text inside diagrams and images?

Yes, subject to reviewing the files. Editable diagrams are generally easier to process. Text embedded inside scanned images may require extraction, recreation or desktop publishing, which will be included in the quotation where necessary.

Can you follow our approved terminology?

Yes. Please provide glossaries, product catalogues, style guides, previous translations, translation memories or terminology lists with the source documents. These materials help maintain consistency with your existing documentation.

Do you use professional human translators?

Projects are assigned to professional linguists according to the language pair and technical subject. Translation technology may support terminology and repeated content, but unreviewed machine output is not supplied as the finished professional translation.

Can you handle confidential technical information?

Technical documents are handled confidentially. Tell us before sending sensitive files if your organisation requires an NDA, restricted-access workflow, secure transfer method or specific retention arrangements.

Can you support large or recurring projects?

Yes. Multi-document and multilingual projects can be planned in stages. Approved terminology, reference translations and project decisions can be maintained across recurring releases to support consistency.

Which languages do you support?

Locate Translate supports more than 30 languages. Availability is confirmed according to the source and target languages and the technical expertise required. See the languages page or send the files for confirmation.

Can technical translations be certified?

Yes, where required. The correct certification depends on the receiving authority and destination country. Share the authority’s written instructions when requesting the quotation.

How quickly can a technical translation be completed?

Turnaround depends on the language combination, word count, technical complexity, file format, review level and translator availability. Express or phased delivery may be possible after the complete files have been reviewed.

How much do technical translation services cost?

Cost depends on volume, language combination, technical subject, source format, diagrams, review level, layout work, certification and urgency. Send the complete files for a quotation that clearly states what is included.

What file formats can you accept?

Common formats include Word, PDF, PowerPoint, Excel, scans and image-based files. Original editable files are strongly recommended when the project requires diagrams, complex formatting or multilingual desktop publishing.

Project-specific advice and pricing

Send the technical files and tell us who will use them

We will review the languages, technical subject, document structure, terminology, formatting, review level, certification needs and deadline before confirming the scope, price and delivery plan.

Request a technical translation quote Call 020 8609 4852