5 Types Of Technical Manufacturing Translations
In today’s global economy, manufacturers operate across different countries and work with suppliers and customers across the world. According to the United Nations Statistics Division, China, United States, Japan, Germany and India account for over 60% of global manufacturing output.
This means geographic and linguistic diversity. Therefore when it comes to manufacturing translations, a subject matter expert is often required with an excellent understanding of the different aspects of manufacturing production processes and the machinery in operation.
For example, for translating a manual for a medical treatment device, an expert with a strong command of the target and source language is needed, as well as the knowledge of the technical terminology.
What’s more, the translator should have a good understanding of the workings of the device in order to convey this information effectively. Such translations have little room for error, and any mistakes can endanger the user, which can result in legal action.
In this blog, we explore the examples of the most popular types of manufacturing translations, essential for the industry’s global operations.
5 Types of Manufacturing Translations
#1: Translations of Operating Instructions and Manuals
Translating manuals and operating instructions requires 100% accuracy and industry knowledge. The translator must understand the product, including its components, and how users interact with it to be able to explain it concisely in the target language.
These types of documents often contain important health and safety information outlining the proper use of a device. Therefore, translation requires not only the necessary expertise, but also the right language and tone to clearly describe the product or its usage to the user, in a safe manner.
Any errors can make or break a user’s experience of your product, or even result in an injury.
#2: Health & Safety Information
Companies that operate in global markets must ensure that health & safety information is clearly displayed, as well as being suitable for a multi-national audience. According to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, the information available must include the following details:
- Whether the machinery or equipment is suitable for the intended use
- Whether it is safe for use
- How to maintain it in a safe condition and inspect it to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate
- Who can use it and any training required
For many companies with an international workforce, safety procedures, warning labels and health & safety documents must be translated into appropriate languages.
This often requires not only the utmost accuracy but also strict quality control. Ensure your translation provider has quality standards, including ISO 9001:2015, giving you a piece of mind that the translation excellence is maintained across all key processes and procedures. The consequences of inaccurate or misleading translations can be severe, and even life-threatening.
#3: Product Label Translations
For product labels, the translations need to account for compliance and legal requirements which usually vary from country to country. Additionally, an impeccable linguistic and technical knowledge is required to fully understand the terminology involved.
For example, when it comes to food products, the EU requires the nutritional content on the packaging, as well as the allergens and ingredients. Whereas this is not the case in the States.
Some ingredients may not be approved for use in certain countries, therefore an inside knowledge of the industry is required, along with the legal bounds for labels and packaging.
To achieve this and provide a consistent and quality service, translators must also keep up to date with the industry in which they specialise, as those regulations can often change. We talked more about label and packaging translations in our blog here.
#4: CAD Drawings
CAD drawing translations require translators who are fully versed with different types of CAD software packages, with the knowledge of how to work between different programmes and files.
When it comes to CAD drawings, you’re relying on the translator’s interpretation of the drawing. This requires not only design skills and the working knowledge of the software, but the ability to retain the original text layout and formatting, as well as terminology across all drawings.
#5: Patent Translations
A patent is a legal document granting its holder a right to exclusively make, use or sell an invention. Translations must be comprehensive in order to guarantee the control over this invention.
As patents are country-specific, regulatory differences have to be accounted for to meet the legal standards of the target country.
Ambiguous or incorrect translations of technical text can make a patent invalid and damage the holder’s right to protect their complete exclusivity over their product.
How Can Anglia Translations Help You with Manufacturing Translations?
The choice of a translation provider is crucial when it comes to manufacturing technical translations. This is due to the fact that the quality of a translation can often be the difference between successful operations and collaboration across global markets, or a ruined brand reputation that impacts your business performance.
To ensure this quality, it is important to look for ISO9001:2015 accreditation. We, at Anglia Translations Ltd have implemented a meticulous quality management system, from account management through to final proof-reading, to consistently deliver translation services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
With over 25 years’ translation experience, translating often complex processes, technical procedures, legislations or manuals is our bread and butter. You can expect a team of industry experts, with an in-depth knowledge of each field.
We have a working understanding of over fifty different languages and can cover all your business needs, helping you safely expand and take your business to the next level.
If you have any further questions on what we’ve covered in this blog, or you’re interested in hearing more about any of our other services, get in touch today.