Standards Help Turn Imagination Into Reality

Located in northern Italy, Cimolai Technology has built its reputation on saying yes to the one-of-a-kind. The company has no catalog. It designs and delivers bespoke mechanical systems that match a client’s needs or desires exactly.

By Cimolai Technology

May 04, 2026

Since 2004, this approach has produced hundreds of specialized machines: moving stadium roofs, boutique glass elevators on skyscrapers, construction support systems, and shipyard equipment. Highlights include the movable lock gates for the 2016 Panama Canal expansion; solid propellant engine transporters for Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana; two 800-ton gantry cranes (325 feet tall and 400 feet long) for cruise ship construction; and a 10,000,000 lb moving building at Hudson Yards in New York City.

For the themed entertainment world, there have been two extraordinary installations in New York City built using ASTM International standards: “The Climb,” a lean-out experience on top of a 1,270-foot tall skyscraper at Hudson Yards, which utilized the standard practice for aerial adventure courses (F2959); and “The Beam,” an amusement ride on the “Top of the Rock” at 30 Rockefeller Center, which utilized the standard practice for design of amusement rides and devices (F2291); the standard practice for quality, manufacture, and construction of amusement rides and devices (F1193); and the standard practice for ownership, operation, maintenance, and inspection of amusement rides and devices (F770).

Both installations were “firsts” in terms of aerial adventure courses and amusement rides to be permitted by the New York City Department of Buildings within the Borough of Manhattan. Given the various permitting agencies involved in these projects, the permitting and approval process was complicated, and the scrutiny of the design, installation, and operation was intense. Cimolai Technology engineers and management were able to show how the designs and installation complied with every aspect of the NYC- and NYS-adopted ASTM codes for design, manufacturing, installation, and operation of amusement devices, resulting in both installations being approved and permitted.

“The Beam,” an amusement ride on the “Top of the Rock” at 30 Rockefeller Center, utilized ASTM standards.

Cimolai Technology uses ASTM standards as guidelines for projects and actively supports the development of existing and new standards. Mike Teske, senior technical and sales representative and member of the committee on amusement rides and devices (F24), has been involved with the development of F24 standards for over 40 years, since his time with Walt Disney. He has served as task group chair on the development of multiple standards.

The knowledge gained through direct participation in the F24 standards process helps Cimolai Technology internally and provides confidence with clients and permitting authorities that the products will meet not only the wording in these internationally recognized standards, but the intent behind the words. Another advantage of being involved in ASTM involves communication. If any concerns or questions arise, it is easy to communicate with all stakeholders to resolve them.

Future projects that Cimolai Technology will be challenged to create will come from the imaginations of creative designers, architects, and engineers when they desire a custom, bespoke, mechanical system for their facility or business. They can move forward with confidence, knowing that Cimolai Technology adheres to recognized, international standards such as those developed by ASTM International, which allow for creative ingenuity while maintaining safety along the way. ●