Technical translation services: the rigours of
technical translation
Technical translation involves handling technical documents in complex formats, guaranteeing reliable terminological choices, employing translators who are also qualified engineers or technicians and providing fully readable final content.
We are a language service provider (or LSP) that employs native technical specialists as well as professional translators and technical document managers.
Striving for professional precision
Technical experts, engineers and industrialists require reliable, accurate and consistent translations.
Technical translation consists of translating manuals, technical data sheets, calculation notes, bills of materials, patents, standards, human-machine interfaces, etc.
These are often multilingual projects involving files in different formats. Once translated, the technical documents have inconsistent and sometimes complex formats. Confidentiality is essential. And from one technical translation project to the next, previous translations must be reused or updated to ensure the utmost reliability over time.
Technical businesses are experiencing growing translation needs prompting them to enlist the services of an LSP.
The issue is then defining the best translation strategy to optimise quality, costs and turnaround times in the long term, according to quantity, type, format, digital system integration, etc.
Translate your technical content with complete peace of mind: entrust it to the experts!
We translate all kinds of content on a daily basis, handling millions of words every year. And we manage and organise long-term translation and document management projects for major engineering projects, including international EPC projects. To do so, we put together client-specific teams able to respond quickly and handle varying workloads on projects of this kind.
We look after everything from A to Z.
You’ll be dealing with project managers and localisation engineers accustomed to working with all sorts of technical documentation, including plans, diagrams, embedded visuals, calculation notes, and much more.
We handle all types of files, including Word, AutoCAD, JSON and all XML-based formats (DITA), and our translations are delivered with identical formatting.
So the experience of EuropaTrad’s teams guarantees flawless project and document management based on an ISO 9001-certified system.
Our translators are technical specialists translating into their native language.
To meet our clients’ requirements, we only work with translators boasting extensive experience in the relevant industry and a thorough familiarity with its terminology. Our technical translators hold dual qualifications as technicians or engineers as well as translators. However many languages they speak, they only translate into their mother tongue.
Furthermore, to ensure the client’s preferred terminology is used in every single project, we create multilingual glossaries containing approved key terms.
We observe the strictest confidentiality regarding the technical documents you send us to translate. To guarantee this, we commit to signing confidentiality agreements on request from the start of our business relationship and our information systems meet advanced security requirements.
Bespoke technical translation services
Websites and digital content translated and optimised for search engines.
Content and interfaces translated and perfectly tailored to local requirements.
Our solutions for technical translation
Verified
AI
translation
Translate large quantities into easily readable language thanks to human post-editing.
Premium translation
Translate accurately and guarantee excellent readability and local adaptation.
We translate from and into more than 60 languages
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FAQs
What types of technical content do you translate?
Our technical translation services cover technical data sheets, technical drawings, calculation notes, patents, and much more.
We work with all types of formats, including AutoCAD, InDesign, Madcap Flare and DITA. Thanks to our translation management solutions integrated with your CAD software, translations are incorporated easily and the layout of drawings, technical data sheets and technical diagrams is preserved.
How much does a technical translation cost?
Our pricing system based on the number of words in the source document is particularly suitable for technical translation.
We reduce the cost of translations with our CAT software, which uses translation memories to avoid re-translating previously translated content and detects repetitions within and between files. This allows us to offer you better turnaround times and consistent translations.
For our regular clients, we use translation memories as a reference for every new order. Translation pricing also depends on the chosen translation solution in accordance with the content and use context.
How much time does a technical translation take?
Translation speed depends directly on the complexity of the source text and the translation solution used.
Depending on required quality and document length, the turnaround time could be anything from 24 hours (for a 2- to 4-page document) to several days. Whatever the content format and quality level expected, our quotes systematically state the time required for the translation.
Translation turnaround times are given in the presentation of our solutions. Then there’s the time it takes for any page layout adjustments or validation of the insertion of translations into a website or CAD or DTP software interface.
How do you ensure the confidentiality of your technical translations?
All confidential documents entrusted to us are protected by professional secrecy as defined in Article 226-13 of the French Criminal Code, as well as by the commitments enshrined in EuropaTrad’s General Terms and Conditions of Sale.
To back up these commitments, we sign specific confidentiality agreements with our clients on request.
How should I prepare my technical documentation for translation?
To prepare your technical documentation properly, start by defining the purpose of the translation and gathering all the source files, making sure you send us the most recent versions. Please send editable files to make translation easier.
Preparing your technical documentation in advance helps you keep costs under control and reduce turnaround times. Find all our tips on translating technical data sheets using AI.
How can we ensure the use of correct terminology in technical translation?
Our technical translators create and maintain multilingual glossaries to ensure correct use of terminology and consistent translation across all languages.
By entrusting your translations to EuropaTrad technical translation agency, you ensure optimum reuse of text and content already translated via the use of professionally maintained translation memories.
What qualifications do technical translators hold?
Technical translators have a thorough command of the terminology specific to their area of expertise. Our professional translators always translate into their native language and specialise in your field of business, drawing on their extensive experience or technical/engineering background.
What are the legal and regulatory requirements for technical translation?
Technical translations must comply with current legal and regulatory requirements. In many European countries, regulations require the user guide to be translated into the user’s language. As a precaution, have your product information leaflets translated before launching your product in a new country.