Technical translation for machinery, products and industry

Documentation we translate

Scope is based on the actual product and use of the document. Send the complete set for assessment, as instructions, drawings, tables and safety information often cross-reference each other.

  • Operating, assembly, installation, commissioning, cleaning and maintenance instructions
  • Service manuals, diagnostic procedures, spare parts catalogues and fault reports
  • Technical specifications, data sheets, supplier documents and technical appendices to contracts or tenders
  • Drawings, diagrams, tables, product labels and machine interface text
  • Quality procedures, work instructions, test reports, inspection forms and maintenance records
  • Safety data sheets, warnings, hazard labels and occupational safety and training materials

Instructions for machinery and products on the Croatian market

The language, content and document name depend on product type, target market and the rules applicable when it is placed on the market or used. We do not independently add labels such as “Original instructions” or “Translation of the original instructions”; we align them with the confirmed documentation status and manufacturer’s or responsible person’s instructions.

Warnings, safety messages and operating instructions must be clear, readable and consistent. We translate the final approved source and flag ambiguity, contradictions or missing information for review instead of making assumptions.

Translation is not technical approval
Translation does not verify product design, calculations, compliance with a standard, CE marking or fulfilment of regulatory obligations. These responsibilities remain with the manufacturer, importer, competent specialist or other responsible economic operator.

Terminology, numerical data and drawings

We agree names for assemblies, components, functions and operating actions at the start. Part numbers, serial identifiers, torque values, tolerances, pressures, temperatures, units and decimal separators receive separate checks. We do not convert or change values without written instructions.

Text in drawings, tables and interfaces is checked in context. A term appearing on a machine screen, in a manual and on a label should be translated consistently. We record questions and unclear abbreviations for a technical specialist to confirm before final delivery.

Version control and technical formats

We can work with editable documents, spreadsheets, XML, documentation-system exports, graphics files and PDFs, depending on the project. Tags, variables, codes, part numbers and non-translatable elements must be protected or clearly identified.

Start from a stable, labelled source version. Subsequent changes should have a version number or date and a clear change list. This helps prevent outdated instructions from being used in production, servicing or training.

Technical translation process

  1. We identify the product, users, target market, languages, scope and final formats.
  2. We collect complete source documents, previous translations, terminology and references.
  3. We agree terminology, units, abbreviations, warnings and protected elements.
  4. We translate in a controlled format and record technical questions for the client.
  5. We check language, terminology, numbers and format, with contextual review where agreed.
  6. We deliver final files with a clear version identifier and a list of unresolved or confirmed questions.

Technical translation prices and turnaround

Prices reflect word and file counts, subject, source quality, repetition, graphics, terminology work, languages, numerical checks and deadline. For larger projects, distinguish translation, technical processing, specialist review and final checks in the quote.

Phased delivery is possible when versions are clearly locked and document order is agreed beforehand. An urgent deadline cannot compensate for an unfinished source, unclear safety information or missing specialist approval of terminology.

Frequently asked questions

Can you translate a scanned manual or PDF?

Yes. We assess legibility, text extraction, tables, drawings and reformatting. If no editable file exists, technical processing is specified separately in the quote.

Do you translate safety data sheets?

Yes, with the current source version and target market specified. The client’s responsible specialist confirms regulatory accuracy, substance classification and the final form.

Can you retain tables, drawings and page layout?

Generally yes, with suitable source files. Graphics work and reformatting for locked PDFs or complex illustrations are agreed separately.

Do you use the client’s terminology?

Yes. Existing glossaries, previous translations, parts lists and interface labels provide a starting point. If terminology is unapproved, we propose an initial glossary for confirmation before translating the full scope.

Does translation guarantee product compliance or valid CE marking?

No. Translation conveys documentation content but does not replace risk assessment, testing, technical inspection, conformity assessment or approval by the relevant specialist.

Send your document: Send a representative sample or complete document set and specify the product, industry, source and target languages, market, file formats, available terminology and deadline. We will propose a workflow, checking scope and clear quote.

Request a quote