I'm wondering what the metal parts on top of these connectors are for:
Are they just for a spot to "grab" for pick and place, and these metal parts will be removed later?
Attribution for picture: Mill-Max
I'm wondering what the metal parts on top of these connectors are for:
Are they just for a spot to "grab" for pick and place, and these metal parts will be removed later?
Attribution for picture: Mill-Max
Yes, that cap is intended to allow a pick & place machine at the assembly house to pick up the connector and place it on the PCB. Depending on the connector and the manufacturer, they can come in metal, plastic, or film ("sticker") types. Here is an example from GCT (Global Connector Technology):
http://gct.co/pcb-board-to-board/pcb-connector-packaging/
Attribution for picture : GCT
Yes, that's exactly what they're for. A vacuum pickup needs a flat surface to grab onto.