Specialist translations for machine tools - precise. Standards-compliant. Multilingual.
Operating instructions, CNC programming manuals and service documentation for machine tool manufacturers - control-neutral, standard-compliant and in over 40 languages.
CNC-tested – Controller-neutral – ISO 17100 – International standards
Machine tools are the backbone of industrial production – and place special demands on technical documentation. Whether a 5-axis machining center, lathe, grinding machine or laser system: every machine requires a linguistically precise and standard-compliant translation of its accompanying documents. COMLOGOS has been translating operating instructions, CNC programming manuals, HMI texts and service documentation for machine tool manufacturers since 2007 – control-neutral, terminology-assured and in over 40 languages.
Note: Machine tools are exported worldwide and operated locally by qualified personnel. Incorrect translations in programming manuals, safety instructions or maintenance instructions not only lead to downtimes – but can also result in operating errors, machine failures and personal injury.
What are machine tools? - Precision technology with its own language
Machine tools are mechanical systems for machining, removing or forming
processing workpieces. They are a central sub-field of mechanical engineering
with their own control standards, their own programming language and a
highly specialized technical vocabulary.
Characteristic of machine tools is the close interlocking of:
– Mechanics – spindles, drives, tool changers, clamping systems
– Control – CNC systems from Siemens, Heidenhain, FANUC, Mitsubishi
– Software – postprocessors, CAM integration, simulation environments
– Operation – HMI interfaces, programming interfaces, diagnostic tools
This complexity is reflected in the technical documentation: A machine tool rarely comes with just one manual – but with an entire set of documents for operators, programmers, maintenance staff and safety officers.
Request a project & get advice
Do you have technical documents to translate? Send us 1-2 sample files – you will receive a specific recommendation and a quote within 24 hours.
Types of machines that we translate
Milling machines & machining centers
3-, 4- and 5-axis machines for complex workpieces
Lathes & turning-milling centers
Conventional, CNC-controlled, multitasking machines
Grinders
Surface, cylindrical, profile and tool grinding machines
EDM machines
Wire and die-sinking EDM for maximum precision
Gear cutting machines
Gear hobbing, gear shaping, gear grinding
Laser machines
Laser cutting, welding, hardening, marking
Forming machines
Presses, punching machines, bending and folding machines
Saws & cut-off machines
Band, circular and hacksaws for prefabrication
Where machine tools end and other disciplines begin
| Area | Interface | Where we separate | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical engineering | Parent discipline | Machine tools are an independent sub-field with their own control standards (CNC) and norms | ||||||||||||||||
| Plant engineering | Large-scale plant context | Plant engineering plans networked overall systems; machine tools are independent processing units | ||||||||||||||||
| Packaging machines | Mechanical engineering sister division | Packaging machines package products – Machine tools process material | ||||||||||||||||
| Automation & robotics | Motion control | Robotics provides handling and movement; machine tools provide the processing
Documents that we translate for youOperation & programming
Control & HMI
Maintenance & Service
CE & Safety
Training & qualification
Sales & Marketing
Special feature: CNC programming manuals are a discipline in their own right: they combine machine language (G-code, Heidenhain plain text), control logic and workpiece-related examples. It’s not just language that counts here, but understanding of the programming environment. Our specialist translators know the common control systems. Industries that we serve in machine tool manufacturingAutomotive & supplier industryMachine tools are the basis of modern automotive production – from engine block machining to transmission shafts. We translate for manufacturers that supply OEMs such as Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler and Stellantis. High demands on consistency, delivery reliability and multilingualism. Aerospace5-axis machining for structural components, engine parts and high-precision components. Standards such as NADCAP, AS9100 and EN 9100 also apply here. Translations must precisely reproduce material-specific machining processes (titanium, Inconel, CFRP). Tool and mold makingEroding, grinding and milling machines for high-precision tools, injection molds and cutting dies. Our translations support small to medium-sized toolmakers in exporting – with terminology that oscillates between workshop language and high-precision. Medical technology & energy technologyImplant production, turbine components, generator shafts: Cleanroom suitability, validation capability and seamless traceability are what count here. Translations comply with the relevant regulatory requirements (MDR, FDA, IEC). Why COMLOGOS for machine tool documentation?Machine tool manufacturers have to update their documentation on an ongoing basis – new machine generations, modified control systems, additional language variants. AI-based translation in combination with professional post-editing (MTPE) is the economic lever here – without compromising on security and compliance. COMLOGOS works in accordance with ISO 18587, the international standard for post-editing machine translations. Faster to the global machineUp to 50% time savings on large, repetitive documents – such as service manuals, spare parts catalogs or training documents for series. Economical for machine familiesSignificantly reduced costs with consistent quality – ideal for manufacturers with extensive technical documentation, frequent updates and many control variants. Tested and standard-compliantEvery AI translation is post-edited by experienced specialist translators, terminologically checked and validated for conformity with standards – in accordance with ISO 18587. AI translation with post-editing - economical and audit-proofMachine tool manufacturers have to update their documentation on an ongoing basis – new machine generations, modified control systems, additional language variants. AI-based translation in combination with professional post-editing (MTPE) is the economic lever here – without compromising on security and compliance. COMLOGOS works in accordance with ISO 18587, the international standard for post-editing machine translations. 01
Familiar with machine tools since 2007COMLOGOS has been translating for manufacturers in the mechanical engineering sector since 2007 – including renowned machine tool specialists such as Reichenbacher Hamuel and Nill + Ritz CNC-Technik. During this time, a tested terminology database has grown, which is immediately available for every new project – consistently across machine generations, CNC controls and suppliers. 02
Translation memory & terminology per customerEach customer receives their own, well-maintained translation memory and a central terminology system. This reduces follow-up costs by 30-70%, speeds up translations and ensures consistency – even across machine generations, series and control variants. 03
Native technical translator with a mechanical engineering backgroundOur translators are native speakers of the target language and have technical training or several years of experience in mechanical engineering. On request, translators and independent technical editors work on a four-eye principle in accordance with ISO 17100 – particularly recommended for programming manuals, safety instructions and CE files. 04
Standard security for regulated marketsWe are familiar with the requirements of the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230, ISO 12100 (safety of machinery), ISO 23125 (lathe safety), EN ISO 16090 (machining centers) and the GPSR. Our workflows are ISO 9001:2015, ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 certified. When is AI translation suitable – and when is it not? AI translation with post-editing is ideal for extensive, repetitive documents such as service manuals or spare parts catalogs. For safety-critical content (CE files, risk assessments, CNC programming manuals), we continue to recommend classic specialist translation with dual control in accordance with ISO 17100. We will advise you individually on which workflow is suitable for which document type. Verwandte Branchenkompetenz von COMLOGOS Maschinenbau MaschinenbauKonstruktionsunterlagen, Betriebsanleitungen, Wartungsdokumentation – Fachübersetzung für den deutschen Maschinenbau in allen Zielsprachen. Mehr erfahren Automotive AutomotiveIATF 16949, FMEA, Lastenhefte – terminologisch gesicherte Ãœbersetzung für OEMs und Tier-1/2-Zulieferer. Mehr erfahren Schaltschrankbau & Steuerungstechnik Schaltschrankbau & SteuerungstechnikSPS-Code, Klemmenpläne, Schaltschrank-Dokumentation – präzise übersetzt für globale Inbetriebnahme. Mehr erfahrenLanguages, formats and tools - to suit your workflowsMachine tools are exported worldwide – with all the linguistic and technical consequences for the documentation. We deliver translations in over 40 languages, from German and English to Italian, Spanish, French, Polish, Czech, Turkish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Arabic. When it comes to file formats, we work directly in your source environment – without conversion losses and with full layout fidelity.
What customers from industry and technology say about COMLOGOS
Reichenbacher Hamuel GmbH★★★★★
Technical documentation "We are very satisfied with our collaboration with COMLOGOS. Adherence to deadlines, reliability, service, flexibility and friendly communication are just some of the qualities that we appreciate time and time again." 
Nill + Ritz CNC-Technik GmbH★★★★★
Technical editing "Understood worldwide thanks to COMLOGOS. We are very satisfied with the speed, reliability and quality of the translations. Adherence to deadlines and open and friendly communication make working with COMLOGOS easy." ISO 9001, ISO 17100, ISO 18587, tekom member, LICS-certified - independently verified quality for your technical translations.hen striving for the best quality, certifications and memberships are very important. This leads to independent certification of the quality of our work combined with the development of knowledge and processes. Your benefits:
 FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the translation of machine tool documentationThe costs depend on several factors: Language pair, scope of the documentation, complexity of the content (e.g. CNC programming sections, safety instructions, circuit diagrams) and the reuse rate from existing translation memories. In follow-up projects, costs are often significantly reduced as identical and similar segments from previous translations are automatically recognized – often between 30% and 70%. In addition, there may be surcharges for rush jobs, DTP work or terminology maintenance. We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding quote based on your original files. CNC programming manuals are not normal translations: They combine machine language, control logic and workpiece-related examples. We work with terminology databases maintained for each control system (SINUMERIK, Heidenhain TNC, FANUC) and make a clear distinction between comments, which are to be translated, and machine code, which must remain unchanged. On request, we can validate the translations with your programmers or on the simulator. According to the new EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, the operating instructions must be available in the official language or languages of the EU Member State in which the machine is placed on the market or put into service. If a machine tool is sold in Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain, for example, translations into German, Italian, Polish and Spanish are mandatory. The EU Declaration of Conformity must also be supplied in all official languages of the target countries. Outside the EU, country-specific requirements apply – such as English (USA, ANSI standards), simplified Chinese (China, UK standards) or Russian (EAEU area). We will be happy to advise you on the right language strategy for your export markets. Machine tools are subject to a clearly defined set of standards. The main requirements are the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, ISO 12100 (general safety of machinery), EN ISO 16090 (machining centers), ISO 23125 (lathes), ISO 16089 (grinding machines) and DIN EN 60204-1 (electrical equipment). Depending on the application, there are also further standards for laser machines (EN 60825) and erosion machines. Outside the EU, ANSI B11 (USA), GB standards (China) and other country-specific specifications apply. We know the specific requirements from over 18 years of project work with machine tool manufacturers. Through terminology work (glossary/termbase), translation memory and defined spellings for components, functions and states. This prevents term drift between releases and teams. Because instructions and warnings are relevant to safety: Terms, sequences of actions and warning logic must be clear. The EU expects instructions in the official languages of the destination country. Your machine tool project in good hands
Send us 1-2 sample files and your target languages. We will recommend the right approach and provide you with a clear, non-binding quote.
Response usually within 1 working day – Confidential treatment of your files – Free of charge & without obligation |
