The effects of sintering temperature, sintering atmosphere and sintering time on dimensional changes, microstructures and mechanical properties of Al-4.3wt.% Cu powder compacts have been investigated. The compact sintered at 560℃ shows a considerable expansion, while the swelling is followed by a rapid contraction at higher temperature. Dimensional changes are also affected by sintering atmosphere, with sintering in H₂atomsphere resulting in greater expansion. The compacts sintered at above 600℃ have been homogenized within 10 minutes and the prolonged sintering time have promoted the grain growth of sintered compact. The optimum mechanical properties are obtained by sintering at 600℃ for 30 minutes in N₂atmosphere. The model experiment used spherical coarse Cu powder haute been performed to observe the formation and behaviour of the liquid phase during sintering of Al-Cu powder compacts.