This overview article focuses on the current state of knowledge pertaining to the mechanical characteristics of metallic parts fabricated via additive manufacturing (AM), as well as the ongoing challenges and imminent opportunities in fabricating more fatigue resistant materials.Current experimental evidence suggests that the mechanical properties of laboratory AM specimens may not be representative ofthose associated with parts, due primarily to differences in geometry/size which influence the thermal histories experienced during fabrication, and consequently, microstructural features, surface roughness and more. In addition, standards for mechanical testing methods, specimen design procedures, post-manufacturing treatments, etc., may need to be revisedfor AM parts. Standardizing the AM processmay only be accomplished by strengthening the current understanding of the interrelationships among process parameters, thermal history, solidification, resultant microstructure, and mechanicalbehavior ofthe part.Having the ability to predict variation in mechanical behavior based on resultant microstructure, or matching the best conceivable properties of a part in accordance with the loading critical plane,are some possible solutionsfor making AM a more reliable means for producing functional parts. Developingmicrostructure-property modelsis arguably the first, necessary step towarddesign optimization and the more efficient, accurate estimation of the structural integrity ofAM parts.