Technical Translation Services

Technical translation is the translation of specialized materials, such as manuals, specifications, and scientific or engineering content. Professional translators use field-specific terminology so the target text keeps the exact meaning of the source.

Yes. If a product ships into regulated markets, labels, instructions, and safety information must appear in the official language of each country. The United States expects accurate English labeling, with multilingual text allowed when it does not conflict with the approved content. In the European Union, many member states require translations for IFUs and packaging. This means the translation plan should start at the same time as compliance planning. A practical approach is to define target markets first, list the required document sets for each market, and confirm any in-country reviewer who must sign off. Next, provide a regulator-approved glossary for high-risk terms and keep it stable through revisions. Ask the vendor to schedule time for layout checks after translation, since line breaks, symbols, and units often change. Tomedes assigns subject-matter linguists and manages multilingual DTP for compliant packs across 270+ languages so the final files are submission-ready.

ISO 17100 describes the baseline translation process and roles, and it fits most technical deliverables. ISO 18587 applies when machine translation is used and sets requirements for full human post-editing. For safety-critical or legal content, a human translation with independent review is generally the safest choice. Use MTPE when content is repetitive, lower risk, or under tight timelines, and require a senior editor to approve the final copy. Define acceptance criteria and error categories up front so both sides understand what “fit for purpose” means. Ask to see the linguists’ domain expertise and the post-editor’s experience with the subject. Tomedes is certified for both ISO 17100:2015 and ISO 18587:2017. Tomedes builds workflows aligned to ISO 17100 and offers MTPE to cut cycle time, with senior review to protect meaning and terminology.

Costs vary by subject complexity, language pair, formatting, and risk. A common range for technical translation is $0.08–$0.20 per word, with higher rates for niche fields or rush work. MTPE can be lower when the machine output is usable, but the discount depends on quality and risk tolerance. For 1,000 words of moderate complexity, a standard human translation falls into a mid-hundreds USD budget before DTP. To control spend, ask for quotes that separate new words, repetitions, and TM leverage. Share glossaries and previous translations so the team can reuse approved phrases. Confirm any certification or reviewer requirements that add steps. Tomedes provides itemized quotes, TM leverage reporting, and optional MTPE to meet budget and schedule. For context: 1,000 words of moderately complex technical content (e.g., a user manual section or product datasheet) typically starts from $80 for standard human translation, depending on language pair and specialization. MTPE may be 30-50% less for suitable content types.

A professional translator typically produces about 2,000 to 3,000 words per day including self-review, so 1,000 words is often one half day to a day, depending on complexity and layout. Documents with formulas, drawings, or regulatory phrasing take longer. Plan buffer time for glossary alignment and layout checks. For large manuals, split delivery by chapters so reviewers can start early. Provide final source files and reduce last-minute edits to avoid rework. Tomedes sets schedules by content risk and offers phased deliveries, rush capacity, and integrated DTP so timelines stay predictable.

A technical translator reads the source text, applies subject knowledge, and writes a target text that keeps function, units, and constraints accurate. They use CAT tools and translation memories to keep repeated phrases the same and to speed up updates. They work with glossaries and style guides and raise queries when source text seems ambiguous. Request CVs or a test sample to confirm fit. Tomedes engages domain experts, maintains client termbases, and runs a managed query process so decisions are documented.

Use editable sources rather than scanned PDFs. Approve a glossary and style guide before translation starts. Remove obsolete sections and mark strings that should not be translated. Provide previous translations and TMs so the team can leverage them. Package fonts and graphics and share print size limits for each language. Tomedes builds and reuses TMs across versions, which lowers cost for updates and keeps wording stable across releases.

Vendors review education, subject experience, and sample work, then monitor ongoing quality scores. For regulated content, the team should include a native-speaking reviewer. Ask for the vetting criteria and the reviewer’s profile, and request that the same team stays on future updates. Tomedes assigns trained linguists with domain backgrounds and tracks quality with reviewer feedback cycles.

The team sets a glossary from the start, applies it via CAT tools, and enforces it during review. Repeated phrases are locked through the translation memory, which also reduces cost on updates. For high-risk terms, the reviewer double-checks usage in context. Tomedes maintains client-owned termbases and provides side-by-side checks so stakeholders can see decisions.

After translation, an editor checks flow, terminology, units, symbols, cross-references, and adherence to style. A final proof reviews layout, line breaks, and hyphenation. For long manuals, a chapter sample is proofed first to confirm choices. Tomedes provides a clear review path and integrates client comments, then delivers final files per market.

Access is limited to the assigned team. Files are exchanged via secure links and removed after delivery per policy. NDAs can be signed with both the vendor and the individual linguists. Ask for a clean-room path for especially sensitive content. Tomedes uses secure transfer, signed NDAs, and project-level permissions so sensitive data stays controlled.

Yes. Tomedes supports US-based and global clients in over 270 languages across multiple technical industries.

Manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy, software and IT, telecommunications, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, chemical sciences, construction, electronics, and oil and gas are among the most common industries requiring technical translation. Tomedes assigns translators with documented domain expertise in each industry and maintains industry-specific terminology databases to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Technical translation requires subject-matter expertise in the relevant industry (engineering, manufacturing, IT, life sciences), precise use of standardized terminology, and adherence to regulatory formatting requirements. General translation handles everyday content such as correspondence, marketing copy, or general business documents. Technical documents carry higher risk if mistranslated: an incorrect unit conversion in an engineering specification or a mistranslated dosage on a pharmaceutical label can have safety, legal, and financial consequences. Tomedes assigns technical translation projects exclusively to linguists with verified domain expertise.