We have analyzed the process of structure formation during pressing of copper-tungsten composites. We have established the effect of the amount of the rigid phase (tungsten alloy) in the mix on the pattern of structure formation and the properties (Young’s modulus and bending strength) of unsintered articles made from heterogeneous powder material based on copper. We have experimentally established that despite the substantially higher porosity and high volume fraction of the rigid phase, specimens of composition Cu — 50% Walloy have higher green strength and higher modulus of elasticity. Analysis of the true stress — true strain curves of the porous cold-pressed articles compared with the results of microstructural studies allowed us to determine the effect of the structure formation pattern on the strength properties of articles made from copper-based powder material containing tungsten alloy. By studying the structural features of the porous articles, we determined the mechanism for creation of interparticle contact which determines the strength characteristics of unsintered compacts of heterogeneous composition based on a plastic matrix with different amounts of the rigid phase.