Technical translation services

Technical translation isn’t just about finding the right words. It’s about understanding what those words mean, how they’re used and why accuracy matters.

Whether you’re translating a machinery manual, a scientific research paper, an engineering specification or a technical product catalogue, you need a translator who understands the subject as well as the language.

At Atlas Translations, we’ve been providing professional translation services since 1991, helping businesses, manufacturers, researchers and technical organisations communicate accurately across languages.

We work with experienced, native-speaking translators who specialise in particular technical and scientific fields, supported by our in-house team of project managers.

Because when a document contains complex terminology, detailed instructions or safety-critical information, a reasonable guess simply isn’t good enough.

Technical translation requires specialist knowledge

Technical documents often contain terminology that has a very specific meaning within a particular industry. A word used in mechanical engineering may mean something entirely different in chemistry. An abbreviation familiar to a laboratory technician might be meaningless to someone working in manufacturing.

And even where the terminology appears straightforward, differences in standards, measurements, conventions and intended audiences can create problems.

That’s why we don’t believe that being fluent in two languages automatically qualifies someone to translate technical documentation. We select translators with the relevant subject knowledge and experience for each project.

We also encourage our translators to ask questions. If a technical term is ambiguous, an instruction is unclear or something in the original document doesn’t quite make sense, we’ll raise it with you.

We care enough to ask, because small misunderstandings can have big consequences.

What technical documents can we translate?

We work with a wide range of technical documents, including:

• Operating and maintenance manuals
• Installation and assembly instructions
• Engineering drawings and specifications
• Technical datasheets and product specifications
• Health and safety documentation
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Quality assurance and audit documentation
• Tender documents and technical proposals
• Research papers and scientific reports
• Laboratory procedures and protocols
• Product catalogues and technical brochures
• Training materials and e-learning content
• Equipment testing and inspection reports
• Software interfaces and technical support documentation
• Technical contracts and supplier documentation

Whether you have a single specialist document or a large multilingual project, we’ll help identify the right approach.

Technical translation across a wide range of industries

Technical translation covers an enormous range of disciplines. Over the years, Atlas has worked with highly specialised subject matter, and we understand that different industries require different types of expertise.

Manufacturing and engineering

From industrial machinery and manufacturing processes to control systems and precision engineering, technical documentation needs to be accurate, consistent and practical to use.

We translate equipment manuals, technical specifications, installation instructions, product datasheets, operating procedures and other engineering documentation.

Science and research

Scientific translation requires an understanding of specialist terminology, research methods and the conventions used within particular disciplines.

We support translation requirements involving chemistry, bioscience, genetics, laboratory research, materials science and other scientific fields. Documents may include research reports, laboratory protocols, scientific papers, testing procedures and technical presentations.

Agriculture and food production

Agriculture and food production involve technical processes, specialist equipment, scientific research and strict safety requirements.

We can help with agricultural machinery documentation, crop research, food manufacturing procedures, hygiene audits, product specifications and related technical content.

Architecture, construction and building products

Architectural and construction documentation often combines technical specifications, material properties, installation requirements and commercial information.

We translate technical documentation for building products, architectural materials, furniture manufacturing and related industries.

Medical devices and healthcare technology

Medical equipment and healthcare technology require particularly careful handling of technical terminology and instructions.

We support medical device and healthtech translation requirements, including equipment manuals, instructions for use, technical documentation and training materials.

Energy, environment and industrial technology

We can also support specialist translation requirements involving energy systems, environmental technology, industrial processes, materials and related scientific and engineering disciplines.

Not sure which category your project fits into?

That’s absolutely fine. Technical translation covers such a wide range of subjects that many projects don’t fit neatly into one sector.

Tell us what you’re working on, and we’ll help identify the appropriate expertise.

Consistent terminology across your technical documents

If your organisation produces regular technical documentation, consistency matters. The same component, process or product should be described consistently across manuals, specifications, training materials and customer information.

Inconsistent terminology can confuse readers, create additional work and make documentation harder to maintain.

For ongoing clients, we can help establish and maintain:

• Approved technical glossaries
• Preferred terminology and style guidelines
• Consistent translations of recurring product names and components
• Translation memories to reuse previously approved content
• Reference materials for specialist translators
• Processes for managing updates and revised documentation

We aim to use the same specialist translators for recurring work wherever possible, helping maintain continuity and familiarity with your products and terminology.

This can also make future projects more efficient and cost-effective.

Working with your technical files and formats

Technical documents aren’t always supplied as straightforward Word files. They may contain complex tables, diagrams, charts, illustrations, embedded text or detailed formatting that needs to be preserved.

We can work with a wide range of document formats and provide desktop publishing and typesetting services where required. Depending on the project, we can also help with the translation of text associated with technical drawings, software interfaces and design files.

If you’re unsure how best to supply your documents, send us a sample. We’ll discuss the most practical approach before work begins.

Technical translation, human expertise and AI

Automated translation tools can be useful in some circumstances, but technical documentation requires careful consideration. A translation that sounds fluent isn’t necessarily technically correct. An incorrect component name, ambiguous safety instruction or mistranslated process could create problems that aren’t immediately obvious to someone without specialist knowledge.

At Atlas, our approach is human-first.

We work with professional specialist translators and do not authorise the use of AI for client projects unless this has been specifically agreed. We also offer machine translation post-editing (MTPE) where appropriate, with professional linguists reviewing and correcting machine-translated content.

We’ll discuss the intended use, risks and requirements of your documents before recommending an approach.

For technical information where accuracy and safety are particularly important, we’ll help you assess the most suitable level of human involvement and review.

More than technical translation

Technical communication doesn’t always involve a written manual.

We also provide a range of related language services, including:

Technical interpreting

Professional interpreting for factory visits, technical meetings, training sessions, international supplier discussions, conferences and other specialist situations.

Proofreading and revision

Independent linguistic review of technical translations to check accuracy, consistency, terminology and clarity.

Desktop publishing

Multilingual typesetting and formatting for technical manuals, product catalogues, specifications and other complex documents.

Subtitling and voiceover

Translation, subtitling and voiceover for product demonstrations, technical training videos, installation guides and e-learning materials.

Website and software localisation

Adapting technical websites, product information, software interfaces and digital content for international audiences.

Why choose Atlas for technical translation?

The right translator for the right subject

We select translators according to their language skills, professional experience and relevant technical expertise.

A chemical safety datasheet requires different knowledge from an engineering manual or a scientific research paper.

We ask questions rather than make assumptions

If something is unclear, we’ll check.

Our project managers work closely with translators and clients to resolve terminology queries, clarify requirements and keep projects on track.

Quality you can rely on

Atlas is certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 17100, reflecting our commitment to quality management and professional translation processes.

Confidentiality and care

We understand that technical documentation can contain commercially sensitive information, unpublished research, proprietary processes and confidential product developments.

Our professional linguists are bound by confidentiality obligations, and we can discuss additional security or non-disclosure requirements where needed. Atlas also holds Cyber Essentials certification.

A dedicated project manager

You’ll have an experienced project manager coordinating your project, keeping you informed and ensuring that the right people are involved.

More than 35 years of experience

Founded in 1991, Atlas is an award-winning, independent translation company.

We’ve spent decades helping businesses and organisations communicate complex information accurately and effectively across languages.