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Posted on13 January 2026

Technical Translations: Why Accuracy Matters in Specialist Industries

Originally published October 2024 · Last updated January 2026

By Rachel Lambert | rachellambert.biz | Freelance B2B Copy & Content Writer

Rachel Lambert

If you’ve ever tried reading a technical document in a language that is foreign to you, are we wrong to say that it can be a bit difficult? 😤 What about when that document is translated into your language? It’s infinitely easier, but now, clarity and precision are crucial. Atlas Translations stands out in the translation industry by prioritising these elements, especially in high-stakes technical fields. We’re going to walk through their step-by-step guide to understanding technical translation, explore their areas of expertise, and see why they’re trusted by clients worldwide.

What can we help with today? Call us on +44 (0)1727 812 725 or email us at team@atlas-translations.co.uk – we’re only a call, chat, or email away, and we’re always eager to help!

Why Technical Translation Requires Precision

Technical translation is more than just translating words; it’s a high-stakes responsibility. In fields where detail is everything, even a minor error can lead to severe consequences.

At its core, technical translation involves taking the complex and making it clear. Things like precision, clarity, and making sure critical instructions make sense in another language. Whether you’re translating medical device specs or engineering manuals, even small mistakes can have major consequences.

The Essential Role of Accuracy

Accuracy is crucial in technical translations. Imagine a medical device manual or a software guide translated inaccurately. Each misinterpretation could lead to safety hazards, project delays, or costly misunderstandings. In highly technical fields, every figure and term must be flawless to prevent critical errors.

Potential Consequences of Poor Technical Translations

Mistakes in technical translations can have lasting effects because technical content often includes exact figures, safety requirements, and industry jargon that only experts truly understand:

💷 Financial Costs

Wasted resources and blown budgets are only a couple of examples of how poor technical translations can hurt a company. Arguably, a more important example would be a damaged reputation.

🦺 Safety Concerns

Poor technical translations in industries like aviation and healthcare can jeopardise lives.

Think about a project team that receives technical specifications, but a key term is poorly translated. This leads to unseen errors at the construction site, creating panic and wasting resources. Accuracy isn’t just a goal; it’s essential for successful (and safe) outcomes in technical translation.

⚖️ Legal Risks

In any regulated industry, poor technical translations may lead to lawsuits or compliance issues. However, in highly regulated industries, it can lead to an entire company going bankrupt 🤯

Atlas client quote from G9.

A Step-by-Step Process

Atlas Translations takes a careful, multi-step approach to technical translation, making sure every document undergoes multiple quality checks. Here’s a breakdown of our process, designed for maximum accuracy and reliability.

Step 1: Expert Matching

The process begins by matching the project with a linguist. We don’t just assign any translator, though. We carefully select one with sector-specific industry experience, making certain they can provide a deep understanding of industry terminology and standards.

Step 2: Dual Reviews

Once the initial translator completes their draft, we assign a second qualified linguist to review it. This second translator conducts a thorough assessment, suggesting improvements or refining terms to avoid issues and hiccups. This step makes sure we keep a high level of accuracy through a fresh perspective.

Step 3: In-House Quality Check

After the translation is reviewed, it moves to an in-house quality check. Here, our team evaluates the document for translation accuracy and layout quality. By confirming that it aligns with the company’s high standards, we make sure our clients receive a polished final product.

Step 4: Final Delivery to the Client and top-notch support

Phew! After all checks are complete, the translation is ready for delivery. Clients receive a document that has been thoroughly reviewed, offering complete confidence in the translation’s accuracy and reliability. We love what we do, and our complete, transparent approach makes this process both effective and reliable.

Specialised Expertise Across Technical Fields

Atlas Translations doesn’t stop at language skills; we bring an understanding of various technical sectors. With over 30 years of experience, we make sure translations meet industry standards and respect the nuances of each field.

Key Sectors

There are many sectors and industries where we’ve shown our expertise over the years; some are well-known, others not so much:

Infographic using Atlas brand colors listing different key sectors where Atlas provides services.

Each field has its own vocabulary and context. Translating a software guide differs significantly from an agricultural report, and Atlas understands how to handle each sector’s challenges seamlessly.

Imagine a scenario involving a technical publication filled with jargon specific to emerging technologies. The team might need to translate terms like “process optimisation through biocompatibility enhancement” to preserve the content’s meaning. Here, our collaboration with industry experts and their understanding of context makes sure we keep the accuracy, without losing the original nuance and meaning.

Additional Services: Beyond Translation

While Atlas specialises in translation, they also offer a range of complementary services to enhance the client experience. Here are some of the ways we add value to technical translation projects:

Voiceover, Transcription, and Typesetting

Atlas Translations provides voiceover, transcription, and typesetting, each adding its own boost to the final product:

Voiceover: Ideal for audio projects, native speakers bring authenticity to videos or ads.

Transcription: Captures spoken words in the text, which is super useful for interviews, lectures, or podcasts.

Typesetting: Make sure professional formatting is used for improved readability and presentation.

It’s a Wrap!

We have over 30 years of experience providing technical translations across many sectors, including IT, engineering, clinical trials, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and more. These services help you communicate clearly with your customers across all formats and audiences.

Atlas Translations is proud to offer quality-driven services that add serious value to your technical translation, such as:

  • Voiceover and transcription for multimedia
  • Typesetting to preserve layout and readability
  • Localisation to adapt content culturally

If you’re an organisation that values precision and reliability, you’re going to love Atlas Translations! Our Mums do, so we’re sure you will too 😍

We’d Love to Hear From You!

You can call us on +44 (0)1727 812 725 or email team@atlas-translations.co.uk. We respond quickly to all enquiries and are always happy to chat about your needs.

If you’d like to visit us in person to learn more about our services or to drop off documents, just give us a call or email us to arrange a time.

The A-Team (back row: Anna, Jim, Alex, and Rhys; front row: Clare, Steffi, Joanna, and Amy)

During UK working hours, you can also use our Live Chat option (in the bottom-right corner of the screen). You’ll always be connected with a real person, not a bot!

And if you need a fast estimate, our Get a Quote button at the top of the website makes it easy.

Can I Trust Atlas Translations?

Yes, you can! But if you’re looking for some clickable proof, here’s some info:

Atlas Translations is certified to ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO 17100:2017 (Translation Services) standards. For confidential projects, we’re happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

We’ve been registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for over 20 years, reflecting our long-standing commitment to privacy and data protection.

We’re proud to provide fast, friendly, high-quality services—but don’t just take our word for it. Check out our client testimonials and TrustPilot reviews.

Global Voice, Local Touch

If you’re looking for some top tips for partnering with Atlas Translations, we have some top tips to share! We answer 25 of our clients’ most frequently asked questions, ranging from typesetting queries to discussing reference materials.

Click to download Global Voice, Local Touch

ISO 17100 – ISO 17100:2017 for Translation Services (since this standard began, in 2008, externally audited annually).
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Mindful Employer Plus – As a Charter member, our team have access to an Employee Assistance Program with 24/7/365 support, as we work toward achieving better mental health at work.

Atlas Translations has been accredited by the Fair Tax Foundation since February 2024. The Fair Tax Foundation is a not-for-profit social enterprise developed by a team of tax justice, corporate responsibility, and ethical consumer experts. It was launched in 2014.

We’ve been registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) since 2004. Go to https://ico.org.uk/ for more information.

We hold a full membership in the Association of British HealthTech Industries. The ABHI supports the HealthTech community by providing products and services that help people live healthier lives. As the voice of the industry, we show the value of health technology and overcome barriers to people benefitting from it now and in the future.

Certified since 2003, externally audited annually. ISO 9001:2015 is the international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS), applicable across all sectors. ISO 9001 provides a framework to respond to changing quality requirements in line with changing demands across society, economics and the environment.
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Disability Confident Committed is creating a movement of change, encouraging employers like ourselves to think differently about disability and take action to improve how we recruit, retain, and develop disabled people. Being a DCC employer is a unique opportunity to lead the way in our community and show that we’re a disability inclusive employer.

CIEP: We’ve held Corporate membership Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading since 1993. CIEP are an international membership organisation that offers training and community for editorial professionals (copy editors and proofreaders) while helping members develop business confidence.

Living Wage Employer: As a living wage employer, we believe our staff deserve a wage which meets everyday needs. The Living Wage Foundation has a mission to encourage employers to play their part in tackling in-work and post-work poverty and provide a decent standard of living by paying the real Living Wage, adopting Living Hours and Living Pensions as well as wider good employment practices.
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Proudly a 4-Day Week Employer since 2019. Amongst other items, the 4-Day Week initiative calls for a reduction to the maximum working week from 48 hours per week to 32 hours per week by 2030.

 
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A member of the Good Business Charter since 2022. The GBC is a simple accreditation that organisations of all sizes in the UK can apply for in recognition of responsible business practices.
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We’re a proud member of the Patient Information Forum (PIF), a membership organisation for anyone producing health information and support. PIF promote access to trusted, evidence-based health information for patients, carers, the public and healthcare professionals.

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Corporate membership of the ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting) since 1994. Corporate Member of the Year 2021. ITI is the only UK-based independent professional membership association for practising translators, interpreters and all those involved in the language services sector.

ATC: We hold full membership with the Association of Translation Companies, a trade association representing the interests of language service companies in the UK and internationally. It is the leading voice for companies operating in the UK’s language services industry.